Howard Lake-Waverly Herald, March 12, 2001

Last of Eddy triplets passes away

The last chapter of an era closed when Ida (Eddy) Gilmer,
93, the last of the Eddy triplets, died March 5.

Gilmer was born to Ida and William Eddy on a farm south
of Howard Lake in 1907. She was the only girl of the triplets, with two
brothers, Howard and William.

The triplets became something of Howard Lake celebrities
in the early part of the last century, attracting visitors from all over,
since it was a rarity at that time to have triplets that survived. The
Eddy family included several other children, as well as twins.

The Eddy triplets appeared in advertisements to promote
the Howard Lake and Victor Nurseries as early as 1909 in the Howard Lake
Herald. The nursery was owned by the Eddy family. One of the promotional
pictures used for advertising is shown above.

When the triplet brothers served in World War II, it was
also covered in the Herald.

Soon after the triplets were born, the Eddy family moved
into a larger house in Howard Lake.

Gilmer graduated from the Howard Lake High School. After
graduation, she worked for her father for seven years at the nursery.

She married Wes Gilmer in 1932, and farmed with him between
Howard Lake and Cokato. Eventually, the couple built a new house in the
city of Dassel.

In her latter years, Gilmer was known for her kindness
and strong spirit. She would give pieces of butter toffee to children every
Sunday at the Dassel Church of Christ, where she was a member.